Doctors delivered healthy twins in Ohio, Friday sharing the same amniotic sac. This can prove risky as the fetus get entangled in each other's umbilical cord.
Doctors state that such births occur in one in 10,000 pregnancies. Sarah Thistlethwaite, an Orrville resident, delivered 'mono mono' twins Jillian and Jenna who held each other's hand when doctors lifted them up so that their parents could see them.
Thistlethwaite said the twins were taken out from ventilators Sunday afternoon after they were able to breathe comfortably.
"It's just hard to put into words how amazing it feels to know the girls are OK," the 32-year-old middle school math teacher told the Associated Press. "It's great to know that they're doing so well, and being able to hold them.
Born prematurely in Akron General Medical Center Jenna, the first to born, weighed at 4 pounds 2 ounces. Jillian followed her 48 seconds later at 3 pounds, 13 ounces. They are expected to remain hospitalised for two to four weeks.
Dr Melissa Macuso, who performed C-section on Thistlethwaite, said there were only minor issues related to the pregnancy.
Sarah and husband Bill Thistlethwaite are already parents to 15-months-old son, Jaxon. The news that she was carrying twins came as a surprise for both of them. "The tech (obstetrician) said 'There are 2,'" said Thistlethwaite. "My husband said, 'Two what?' The tech said, 'Two babies!' It was very silent in the room. We were all in shock for a while and then we randomly began to laugh. It was a big surprise to us."
Amanda Arnold, another pregnant mother, is set to deliver 'mono mono' twins next week in Akron General. "It's pretty surprising to have two at the same time," said Dr Justin Lavin of Akron General.
